Press Release | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

KMW, Nexter and Rheinmetall Get the Go-ahead for Initial MGCS Architecture Study

Saturday, May 23rd, 2020

Munich / Versailles / Düsseldorf, 20 May 2020 – Standing for Main Ground Combat System, MGCS is a joint Franco-German defence project. The programme, to be implemented under German political leadership, is tasked with developing a main combat system to succeed the Bundeswehr’s Leopard 2 and the French Army’s Leclerc starting in 2035.

Making the start of the MGCS procurement programme Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Nexter Systems and Rheinmetall AG established an ARGE in December 2019. Now, the partners and the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), acting in the name of Germany and France, have signed a contract for the “System Architecture Definition Study – Part 1” (SADS Part 1). This contract sounds the industrial starting gun for a MGCS Demonstration Phase.

At the Franco-German Ministerial Council meeting in Toulouse on 16 October 2019, the defence ministers of both nations, Florence Parly and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, emphasized their commitment to developing the MGCS.

The ARGE is a German acronym standing for Arbeitsgemeinschaft, or “working group”. Under German law, the ARGE serves as the contractual partner of the procurement authority (BAAINBw) during the first phase of the programme. Officials of the three companies represent the ARGE vis-à-vis third parties.

The aim of the study is to harmonize the final MGCS concepts of the previous phase, to analyse further details, and to propose a common multi-platform architecture. The three contractual partners will assess various aspects of different concepts: technical feasibility in the projected timeframe allotted for the programme; ability to fulfil the operational needs of both armies; efficiency and compatibility with national “systems of systems” (SCORPION for France and Digitization of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) for Germany). Workshares in the SADS Part 1 are to be distributed equally between France and Germany on a fifty-fifty basis. The first phase of architecture work is expected to last 18 months.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

DroneShield Chosen by the European Union Police

Friday, May 22nd, 2020

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO or DRO.AU) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that, following a competitive tender, its DroneGun TacticalTM product was selected as the preferred solution by the European Union police forces. The process was run by Belgium Police, with an EU-wide framework. Sales, training and local support will be managed by DroneShield’s Benelux region partner ForcePro BV.

DroneShield’s DroneGun Tactical deployed by the French Army

Under the framework agreement, DroneGun TacticalTM is expected to be rolled out across a range of police units across European Union. While the agreement does not specify minimum purchase quantities, DroneShield expects this agreement to produce material periodic sales over an extended period of time, with orders commencing this quarter. Further, the Company expects this framework to be a platform for sales of its other products, such as RfPatrolTM and its vehicle and fixed site products, to EU police departments.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, commented, “This is an exciting win in a number of ways. This is the first framework rollout of counterdrone equipment by any Government customer, anywhere in the world. In addition to the substantial nature of this contract, we expect for this to set a standard for DroneGun TacticalTM procurement by other Government customers in the EU and globally, helping fasttrack additional acquisitions. This selection by a highly demanding customer, following on the UK Government CPNI certification last year, reinforces the world leading position of our products in the industry. Importantly, this win of the competitive tender by DroneShield illustrates that security is at the forefront of governments globally as well as the fact that, after a brief interruption caused by the COVID crisis, global procurement processes have resumed.”

Posted in International, LE, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Chosen by the European Union Police

AeroVironment Unveils Quantix Recon, Fully-Automated Hybrid Vertical Takeoff and Landing Unmanned Aircraft System for Defense Applications

Friday, May 22nd, 2020

• Quantix Recon delivers on-demand, georeferenced aerial imagery, providing quick visibility for on-site mission planning and verification

• Fully-Automated, hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design and radio frequency silent mode enable aircraft to conduct missions undetected

• Powerful onboard processing delivers high-resolution imagery immediately on the included operating tablet upon landing – no other devices, internet or software required

AeroVironment’s new Quantix™ Recon, a fully-automated reconnaissance unmanned aircraft system.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., April 23, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced the availability of Quantix™ Recon, a lightweight, rapidly deployable, fully-automated reconnaissance solution that delivers high resolution, georeferenced terrain, vegetation and infrastructure imagery, providing ground forces with on-demand actionable intelligence.

With its unique hybrid VTOL design, Quantix Recon combines the vertical takeoff and landing advantages of a multirotor drone with the range, speed and efficiency of a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft. Featuring fully-automated flight operation, Quantix Recon surveys up to 1.6 square kilometers (0.6 square miles), or 20 linear kilometers (12.4 miles) per 45-minute single battery flight. Multiple automated reconnaissance mode options allow users to choose between line (route), area and waypoint targeted data capture. Collected aerial imagery data is compatible with a wide range of available geographic information system (GIS) analytical tools to facilitate further analysis.

“AeroVironment’s Quantix Recon is a low-cost reconnaissance solution that can be in the air within minutes, capturing high-resolution georeferenced imagery of hard to access areas or dynamically changing environments.” said Rick Pedigo, vice president of sales and business development for AeroVironment. “Because it does not rely on radio signals during flight, Quantix Recon offers greater stealth for concealed operations and is unaffected by radio frequency jammers, providing greater protection for frontline troops while reducing cognitive load.”

Powerfully simple to use, Quantix Recon is fully-automated and hands-free with five optional flight altitudes, ranging from 150 feet to 800 feet. Simple, automated operation makes Quantix Recon easy for users to vary the coverage area and image resolution to suit their aerial reconnaissance needs.

Quantix Recon is equipped with dual 18-megapixel cameras that can capture both high resolution true color and multispectral georeferenced imagery. Powerful, on-board processing allows users to immediately view the high-resolution geospatial imagery on the included operating tablet as soon as the aircraft lands, requiring no other devices, internet or software. And, through the operating tablet’s Quick-Lookä HD app feature, users can pinch and zoom navigation down to centimeter-level ground sampling distance, enabling them to pinpoint and react to critical issues with precision and speed.

To learn more, visit www.avinc.com/Quantix-Recon, or view the recorded Quantix Recon Press Briefing at event.webcasts.com, using the password “QuantixRecon.”

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | 3 Comments »

Unity Tactical Platform Adapter

Friday, May 22nd, 2020

The innovative AMP™ Helmet Arms attach to the rear rails and cantilever the headset forward over the operator’s ears rather than the traditional top-down attachment. This frees up the top rails for other mission critical gear like lights and cameras. However, the factory OEM configuration will only interface with genuine Ops-Core® ARC™ rail; until now. Platform Adapter retrofit installation can be done in minutes and brings the same strength and performance to some other popular tactical helmets. There is no loss in functionality.

Now, you can run the industry-leading modular tactical communications headset, the Ops-Core® AMP™, on your already owned or issued Team Wendy®, MTEK®, or HHV® helmet. Platform Adapters are molded in the United States from the same reinforced polymer used by Ops-Core for their OEM part.

Weight: EXFIL: 4g, MLOK: 2g
Compatible with: EXFIL Rail (Team Wendy), MLOK Rail (MTEK, HHV)
Material: Reinforced Polymer
Breakaway: 8 ft lbs.
Country of Origin: U.S.A.

Available at www.unitytactical.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Speer Introduces a New Line of Gold Dot Personal Protection Rifle Ammunition

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

LEWISTON, Idaho – May 19, 2020 – Speer Gold Dot Handgun ammunition’s reliability has made it the No. 1 choice for law enforcement. Now Speer is offering the same performance for self-defense rifle applications. New Gold Dot Rifle ammunition is engineered to provide industry-leading performance in FBI protocol testing through barrels less than 16 inches long. Shipments of this new product have begun to arrive at dealers.

The bullets loaded in the new Gold Dot Rifle ammunition line are built using Speer’s exclusive Uni-Cor method. The jacket is bonded to the core one atom at a time, virtually eliminating core-jacket separation and creating a projectile that’s accurate, tough and consistent through all common barriers.

Features & Benefits

• New self-defense rifle loads optimized for peak FBI protocol performance though barrels shorter than 16 inches
• 75-grain 223 Rem. recommended for 1-in-9-inch barrel twist or faster
• 55-grain 223 Rem. option offers reduced penetration for less risk to bystanders
• Consistent penetration and expansion through common barriers
• Extremely uniform jacket maximizes accuracy
• Gold Dot technology virtually eliminates core-jacket separation
• Nickel-plated brass
• Reliable, sensitive primers

Speer ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Speer. For more information on all products from Speer or to shop online, visit www.speer-ammo.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on Speer Introduces a New Line of Gold Dot Personal Protection Rifle Ammunition

Viridian Gun Cam Goes Viral, Exceeds Five Million Views

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 20, 2020 – Earlier this year, evidence from the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™) was presented for the first time in an officer-involved shooting (OIS) trial. The social media power and public interest in Weapon-Mounted Cameras became evident after news of the trial in Vernon, Texas broke. The video of the incident, including a direct comparison of incident gun camera footage to body cam footage, has been viewed more than five million times on YouTube and was shared with a world-wide audience of more than 75 million people through mainstream media coverage.

The WMC provided the critical evidence for the case in Wilbarger County, Texas by showing the defendant pointing a sawed-off shotgun at Vernon Police Corporal T.J. Session during an exchange of gunfire in which both Corporal Session and the defendant were shot and wounded. This was the first time an officer-involved shooting was captured by a gun camera. Body camera and dash camera video was also available from the incident, but the Viridian FACT Duty provided the only unfettered evidence of the defendant reaching for a weapon and subsequently shooting the officer. The defendant was convicted by the jury of aggravated assault on a public official and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

“The defense team brought up several questions regarding the details of the event that the Body Camera footage was insufficient to answer,” said Viridian General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Matthew Plowman, who was part of the Viridian team attending the trial. “The gun camera footage provided the key evidence that led to the jury convicting the defendant in exactly 16 minutes. This is an example of how the WMC is a critical risk management tool for law enforcement agencies and the municipalities they serve in every corner of the country.”

“We invented the FACT Duty after seeing communities literally torn apart because of a lack of evidence in officer involved shootings,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “Seeing our gun camera play a key role in such a life-altering event was even more validation for the efforts of our entire team to get this to market and in the hands of as many officers as possible. It also rewards the trust of so many agencies across the country. To see the recent coverage and response online has also been amazing. Literally in a matter of hours, more than one million people saw this video on YouTube alone—which clearly showed how justified and heroic Corporal Session’s actions were that day—and how engaged the public is on this topic.

“We know this is something that is essential for modern policing. The public demands and deserves to know what really happened—and police departments and municipalities benefit from the openness and visibility as well. And the full scope of events captured by our gun camera alongside body cams and dash cams was very powerful. It showed in a real-world event that our technology provides a new and needed perspective, no matter what other video or evidence-gathering devices are present. And agencies across the country have responded. The number of departments that called after seeing the YouTube videos and news coverage has been astounding.”

More information on FACT Duty WMCs can be found at Gun-Camera.com. Viridian offerings are available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Posted in LE, Press Release | Comments Off on Viridian Gun Cam Goes Viral, Exceeds Five Million Views

INVISIO Communications Is Now Just Called INVISIO

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Name change registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office

The Annual General Meeting of INVISIO Communications held on May 5, 2020 resolved to change the company’s name to INVISIO AB (publ). The resolution was registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office on May 15, 2020.

INVISIO Communications AB (publ) will change its name to INVISIO AB (publ) from today’s date. As a direct consequence, the company’s registered name at Nasdaq Stockholm will be changed to INVISIO AB (publ). The ticker symbol for the share – IVSO – will remain unchanged.

“Within the company our constant objective is to simplify and streamline processes and be clear in our communication. It is therefore natural and fully in line with this ambition to change our name to INVISIO AB. We are a global market leader in our niche and this change increases focus on the INVISIO brand,” says CEO Lars Højgård Hansen.

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on INVISIO Communications Is Now Just Called INVISIO

Samsung Introduces Next Generation of Tactical Mobility with the Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Mission-ready smartphone solution provides operators with the power to achieve their objectives in any tactical environment.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – MAY 20, 2020 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today introduced the Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition (TE), a mission-ready smartphone solution tailored to the unique needs of operators in the federal government and Department of Defense (DoD). With a highly customized software and feature set, the Galaxy S20 TE can operate seamlessly with a range of existing peripherals and supports the requirements of tactical and classified applications, especially those designed to help operators navigate complex terrain, expansive distances, and the potential loss of communication with command units. Galaxy S20 TE also introduces DualDAR architecture, which delivers two layers of data encryption based on the NSA standards to secure up to top-secret level data for classified missions.

“The development of this solution is a result of coordination and feedback received from our Department of Defense customers and partners,” stated Taher Behbehani, Head of the Mobile B2B Division, SVP and General Manager, Samsung Electronics America. “The Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition provides the warfighter with the technology that will give them an edge in the field, while providing their IT teams with an easy-to-deploy, highly secure solution that meets the demands of their regulated environment.”

Galaxy S20 TE offers federal program managers and executive officers an easy to manage and deploy mobile solution that works with a broad range of technologies and is backed by the assurance of the defense-grade Samsung Knox mobility platform. It harnesses the most sought after tools of Samsung’s premium Galaxy devices in a unique, easy-to-use configuration.

•Helps Operators Stay Connected in Multi-domain Operations. Galaxy S20 TE easily connects to tactical radios and mission systems, out of the box, ensuring seamless operations. Multi-ethernet capabilities provide dedicated connections to mission systems, while network support for Private SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and CBRS ensure a connection is maintained throughout multi-domain environments.

•Provides complete, accurate real-time situational awareness. Galaxy S20 TE caters to the unique needs of military operators, through customization of numerous device features. A night-vision mode allows the operator to turn display on or off when wearing night vision eyewear, while stealth mode allows them to disable LTE and mute all RF broadcasting for complete off-grid communications. Operators can easily unlock the device screen in landscape mode while it’s mounted to their chest, and quick launch their most commonly used apps at the push of a button.

•One Device for All Mission Requirements. When in the field, operators need a lightweight, easy to carry device that doesn’t weigh them down, yet offers the power they need to complete the mission. With its powerful 64-bit Octa-Core processor, Galaxy S20 can support the running of multiple mission applications in the field (ATAK, APASS, KILSWITCH, BATDOK) so operators can access the intelligence they need. Galaxy S20 TE also includes powerful Samsung DeX software, which offers a PC-like experience when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With DeX, operators can use the device for completing reports, training or mission planning when in vehicle or back at the base.

•Certified and secure for Special Operations. Galaxy S20 TE is built on Samsung Knox, the defense-grade mobile security platform that protects the device from hardware through software layers. DualDAR architecture further secures the device with two layers of encryption, even when the device is in a powered off or unauthenticated state. This multi-layer, embedded defense system helps Galaxy S20 TE meet the most stringent regulated industry requirements, including NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSFC) Component’s List, and Mobile Device Fundamental Protection Profile (MDF PP) as laid out by the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP). Galaxy S20 TE comes out of the box approved for use within the Department of Defense (DoD) using the Android 10 Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) as laid out by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

The Samsung Galaxy S20 TE will be available in Q3 2020 through select IT channel partners. For more information on Galaxy S20 TE, please visit www.samsung.com/TacticalEdition. For more information about Samsung Government, please visit www.samsung.com/us/business/by-industry/government.

Posted in Comms, Digitization, Press Release | Comments Off on Samsung Introduces Next Generation of Tactical Mobility with the Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition